Indonesian Food in the UK: Complete Guide 2025

Discover Authentic Indonesian Cuisine Across Britain - Restaurants, Recipes, Ingredients & Cultural Insights

UK Restaurant Guide
Where to Buy Ingredients
Authentic Recipes

Indonesian cuisine is one of the world's most diverse and flavorful food traditions, yet it remains relatively undiscovered in the UK compared to Thai, Indian, or Chinese food. This is changing rapidly as British food lovers discover the bold, complex flavors of dishes like nasi goreng, rendang, satay, and the iconic chili condiment sambal.

This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the Indonesian food scene in the UK - whether you're looking for authentic restaurants, shopping for ingredients, or learning to cook Indonesian dishes at home. Let's explore the vibrant world of Indonesian cuisine together!

What Makes Indonesian Food Unique?

Sambal Culture

No Indonesian meal is complete without sambal - fresh chili paste made with garlic, shallots, and spices. Indonesia has 300+ regional sambal varieties, each with unique flavor profiles.

17,000+ Islands

Indonesia's archipelago creates incredible regional diversity. Javanese food differs from Balinese, Sumatran from Sulawesi - each island offers distinct flavors and techniques.

Spice Islands Heritage

Indonesia is the original "Spice Islands" that European traders sought for centuries. Cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and galangal create complex, aromatic dishes.

Rice-Centric Culture

Rice is the foundation of Indonesian cuisine. From simple steamed rice to elaborate nasi goreng and ketupat (rice cakes), rice appears in countless creative forms.

Layered Flavors

Indonesian cooking balances sweet, salty, sour, spicy, and umami. Kecap manis (sweet soy), tamarind, shrimp paste, and lime create harmonious complexity.

Street Food Tradition

Satay, bakwan fritters, martabak, and pisang goreng represent Indonesia's vibrant street food culture - affordable, flavorful, and deeply embedded in daily life.

Popular Indonesian Dishes to Try in the UK

🍚 Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)

Indonesia's national dish - fragrant fried rice with kecap manis (sweet soy), sambal, garlic, and shallots. Typically topped with a fried egg and served with prawn crackers and pickles.

Medium SpiceQuick to MakeBeginner-Friendly
β†’ See Our Nasi Goreng Recipe

πŸ› Rendang (Slow-Cooked Beef Curry)

CNN named rendang the world's most delicious food! Tender beef slow-cooked in coconut milk with lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, and chilies until rich, dark, and intensely flavorful.

Medium-Hot SpiceComplex FlavorsTraditional Recipe

Originating from West Sumatra, rendang is served at special celebrations.

οΏ½δΈ² Satay (Grilled Skewers with Peanut Sauce)

Marinated chicken, beef, or lamb grilled over charcoal and served with rich, creamy peanut sauce. Indonesian satay is sweeter and more aromatic than Thai versions, using kecap manis and palm sugar.

Mild SpiceBBQ-FriendlyPopular Starter

Try with cucumber salad and sambal for authentic experience.

πŸ₯— Gado-Gado (Indonesian Vegetable Salad)

Indonesia's famous vegetarian dish - blanched vegetables, boiled eggs, tofu, and tempeh covered in rich peanut sauce. Healthy, filling, and packed with flavor. Often includes prawn crackers.

VegetarianHealthyMild Spice

Popular across Indonesia with regional variations.

🍜 Mie Goreng (Indonesian Fried Noodles)

Similar to nasi goreng but with egg noodles - stir-fried with vegetables, sambal, and kecap manis. Quick, satisfying, and highly customizable. Popular street food across Indonesia.

Medium Spice15-Minute MealVersatile

Add prawns, chicken, or keep it vegetarian.

🌢️ Sambal (Indonesian Chili Paste)

The heart of Indonesian cuisine - fresh chili paste with garlic, shallots, and spices. Not just a condiment, but an essential ingredient. From mild sambal manis to fiery sambal rawit, there's a sambal for every taste.

Varies (Mild-Very Hot)300+ VarietiesEssential Staple
β†’ Complete Guide to Buying Sambal in UK

Where to Find Indonesian Restaurants in the UK

πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§London - The UK's Indonesian Food Hub

London has the largest concentration of Indonesian restaurants in the UK, particularly in South and East London where Indonesian communities are established.

South London:

  • ●
    C&R Cafe (Chinatown, multiple locations) - Malaysian/Indonesian classics
  • ●
    Bali Bali (Soho) - Authentic Indonesian street food
  • ●
    Sedap (Brixton) - Modern Indonesian dining
  • ●
    Rasa Sayang (Streatham) - Traditional Indonesian/Malaysian

East London:

  • ●
    Nusa Kitchen (Hoxton) - Contemporary Indonesian
  • ●
    Bumbu (Whitechapel) - Indonesian home cooking
  • ●
    Kaum (Mayfair) - Upscale Indonesian fine dining

πŸŒ†Manchester

  • ●Tampopo - Pan-Asian with Indonesian options
  • ●Samsi - Indonesian street food
  • ●Yang Sing - Some Indonesian dishes

🏴󠁧󠁒󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿Edinburgh & Scotland

  • ●Nanyang - Malaysian/Indonesian
  • ●Ting Thai Caravan - Some Indonesian options

πŸ™οΈBirmingham

  • ●Tropea - Asian fusion with Indonesian dishes
  • ●Wing Yip - Restaurant in supermarket complex

🌊Brighton & South Coast

  • ●Fatto A Mano - Occasional Indonesian specials
  • ●Giggling Squid - Thai with some Indonesian influence

πŸ’‘ Pro Tip: Many Malaysian and Pan-Asian restaurants in the UK also serve Indonesian dishes. Look for items like nasi goreng, rendang, satay, and sambal on the menu. Call ahead to ask about authenticity and spice levels.

Where to Buy Indonesian Ingredients in the UK

Spice Island Indonesia - Authentic Sambal Made in the UK

Get preservative-free, authentic Indonesian sambal delivered to your door anywhere in the UK. Made fresh by Indonesian Chef Yossie using traditional family recipes from the Spice Islands.

🌢️

Sambal Oelek

Classic chili paste

From Β£5.99

🌺

Sambal Bali Aromatic

With lemongrass

From Β£6.99

🍯

Sambal Bali Sweet

Sweet & spicy

From Β£6.99

πŸ”₯

Sambal Goreng

Cooked sambal

From Β£6.99

Shop Authentic SambalTry Sample Pack First
βœ“ Free UK delivery Β£30+βœ“ Made fresh in UKβœ“ No preservativesβœ“ Traditional recipes

Asian Supermarkets (In-Store):

Wing Yip
  • β€’ London, Birmingham, Manchester, Croydon
  • β€’ Wide range of Indonesian ingredients
  • β€’ Kecap manis, sambal, tempeh, shrimp paste
Loon Fung
  • β€’ Multiple London locations
  • β€’ Fresh Asian produce and dry goods
  • β€’ Indonesian spices and sauces
See Woo
  • β€’ Manchester, Glasgow
  • β€’ Extensive Southeast Asian section
  • β€’ Tamarind, galangal, kaffir lime leaves
Local Asian Grocers
  • β€’ Check your local area
  • β€’ Often stock Indonesian basics
  • β€’ Ask staff for recommendations

UK Supermarkets (Limited Selection):

Waitrose

Kecap manis, some sambals, coconut milk

Sainsbury's

Sambal oelek, tamarind paste, Asian section

Tesco

Some sambal brands, coconut milk, basic spices

Online Retailers:

Spice Island Indonesia

Authentic sambal, UK-wide delivery, fresh production

Sous Chef

Specialty ingredients, premium quality

SeeWoo Online

Large Asian supermarket, nationwide delivery

Amazon UK

Various brands, convenient delivery

Essential Indonesian Pantry Staples for UK Home Cooks

Must-Have Essentials:

  • 1.Sambal - Various types (Oelek, Bali, Goreng)
  • 2.Kecap Manis - Sweet soy sauce (essential!)
  • 3.Coconut Milk - For curries and soups
  • 4.Shrimp Paste (Terasi) - Adds umami depth

Fresh Aromatics:

  • β€’Lemongrass - Available in UK supermarkets
  • β€’Galangal - Similar to ginger (Asian stores)
  • β€’Kaffir Lime Leaves - Fresh or frozen
  • β€’Shallots & Garlic - Base of most dishes

Spices & Seasonings:

  • β€’Tamarind Paste - Sour-sweet tang
  • β€’Palm Sugar - Or use brown sugar
  • β€’Coriander & Cumin - Ground spices
  • β€’Turmeric - Fresh or ground

Proteins & Extras:

  • β€’Tempeh - Fermented soybean cakes
  • β€’Firm Tofu - For gado-gado, stir-fries
  • β€’Prawn Crackers (Krupuk) - Authentic side
  • β€’Fried Shallots - Crispy topping

Rice & Noodles:

  • β€’Jasmine Rice - Staple grain (day-old for nasi goreng)
  • β€’Egg Noodles - For mie goreng
  • β€’Rice Vermicelli - Thin rice noodles

UK Substitutes:

  • β€’Galangal β†’ Fresh ginger (slightly different but works)
  • β€’Palm sugar β†’ Dark brown sugar or muscovado
  • β€’Tamarind β†’ Lime juice + brown sugar (less ideal)
  • β€’Kecap manis β†’ Soy sauce + brown sugar (emergency)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular Indonesian food in the UK?β–Ό
The most popular Indonesian dishes in the UK are nasi goreng (fried rice), satay (grilled skewered meats with peanut sauce), rendang (slow-cooked beef curry), and gado-gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce). Sambal (Indonesian chili paste) is also increasingly popular as a condiment. These dishes are commonly found in Indonesian restaurants across London, Manchester, Birmingham, and other major cities.
Where can I find authentic Indonesian restaurants in the UK?β–Ό
London has the most Indonesian restaurants, particularly in South London (Brixton, Streatham, Tooting) and East London. Notable options include C&R Cafe, Bali Bali, Sedap, and Rasa Sayang. Outside London, you'll find Indonesian restaurants in Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Brighton. Many Asian restaurants also offer Indonesian dishes alongside Malaysian and Thai cuisine.
Where can I buy Indonesian ingredients in the UK?β–Ό
You can buy Indonesian ingredients at Asian supermarkets like Wing Yip, Loon Fung, and See Woo in major cities. Online options include Sous Chef, SeeWoo Online, and specialist retailers. For authentic sambal, Spice Island Indonesia delivers nationwide with fresh, preservative-free products made by an Indonesian chef in the UK. Some items like kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) and sambal are also available at Waitrose, Sainsbury's, and Tesco in the international aisle.
Is Indonesian food spicy?β–Ό
Indonesian food can be spicy, but not all dishes are hot. The level of spiciness varies greatly by region and dish. Sambal (chili paste) is typically served on the side, so you can control the heat level. Dishes like nasi goreng, satay, and gado-gado are mild by default, while rendang can be moderately spicy. Sambal-based dishes can range from medium to very hot. Indonesian restaurants in the UK typically adjust spice levels for British palates and allow you to customize heat.
What's the difference between Indonesian and Malaysian food?β–Ό
While Indonesian and Malaysian cuisines share some similarities due to geographical proximity, there are key differences. Indonesian food tends to be sweeter and spicier, with more emphasis on sambal (chili paste) and kecap manis (sweet soy sauce). Indonesian cuisine has more regional variety across 17,000+ islands. Malaysian food incorporates more Indian and Chinese influences. Signature Indonesian dishes include rendang, nasi goreng, satay (with peanut sauce), and various sambals, while Malaysian cuisine features laksa, char kway teow, and roti canai.
Can I make Indonesian food at home in the UK?β–Ό
Absolutely! Many Indonesian dishes are surprisingly easy to make at home with ingredients available in UK supermarkets and Asian stores. Start with simple recipes like nasi goreng (fried rice with sambal), mie goreng (fried noodles), or sambal scrambled eggs. Essential pantry items include sambal (Spice Island Indonesia offers authentic versions), kecap manis, shrimp paste, coconut milk, and lemongrass. Many Indonesian recipes use familiar vegetables and proteins, making them accessible for British home cooks.

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